The Lake Is Silent The Leaf Is Gone. Poem by RIC BASTASA

you are the strong man
taking the calm of the lake

placid waters, still boat,
to the gentleness of the floating
leaf

you told me, keep the storms with
your head
let them rage there
while you sleep

do not use any word to tell anyone
about the chaos
they have their own words for themselves
keep the chaos without your heart
it makes you stronger

you are the strongman
in this world, we never see you again
we have forgotten your name

the lake is silent
the leaf is gone.